Illinois alters humane euthanasia act

Springfield, Ill.-New legislation signed into law by the Illinois governor confronts the issue of euthanasia in animal shelters.

H.R. 648, an amendment to a previous Humane Euthanasia Act, which required fingerprinting, now well-defines that process with the State Police and FBI and reflects requirements of other licensing acts, the Animal News Center reports. The bill also defines the grandfathering provision of certified euthanasia technicians, according to the news source.

Previously, euthanasia technician certificates granted by the American Humane Association, National Animal Control Association, Humane Society of the United States, and the Illinois Federation of Humane Societies had no expiration. However, the new legislation mandates that a current license is issued within three years preceding the application date.

The legislation continues to allow shelters to transport animals across state lines for euthanasia as long as shelters in those states meet Illinois' requirements regarding humane euthanasia methods and technicians.